Davis Law Group, P.S.

High School Hockey Player Suffers Spinal Cord Injury

A 16-year-old junior varsity hockey player is now paralyzed after severing his spinal cord during a hockey game.

Before being diagnosed with a severed spinal cord, doctors initially though he suffered a bruised spinal cord and broken vertebrae. Reports do not indicate if he will be able to walk again.

The high school league urged all schools in the district to review safety practices with their players.

After this serious, recommendations for safe hockey practices include:

1. Elimination of checking from behind
2. Be grateful for rules that make the game safer
3. Emphasize appropriate contact and checking
4. Players should stop when they see the numbers on the back of the jersey

Spinal Cord Injury Statistics

More than 11,000 people suffer a spinal cord injury each year in the United States, while some victims will experience a full recovery, others will be completely and permanently paralyzed. Car accidents are also frequently the cause of other serious back injuries such as a herniated disc. In both cases the accident victim may require surgery, years of treatment and physical therapy, and the injuries can completely change the life of the victim.